9-1-1 Emergency Response
POLICE, FIRE, EMERGENCY MEDICAL

You only need to remember one number
in an emergency: 9-1-1

WHEN SHOULD I CALL 9-1-1?

• When you have a Police, Fire or Medical emergency.

• There is a situation that could, or does, pose a danger to life, property or both.

• There is suspicious activity involving a person(s) or vehicle that appears to have criminal intent.

• Any situation that requires immediate dispatch of an officer.

Remain calm and patient while the 9-1-1 calltaker asks you questions. 9-1-1 calltakers are trained to ask specific questions that quickly determine what is wrong, and what type of assistance to send. Please stay on the line until the calltaker tells you to hang up.

WHEN SHOULD I CALL THE NON-EMERGENCY NUMBER?

(206) 625-5011 is the police
non-emergency number.

• You want to report a nuisance, such as a noise or parking complaint.

• To report a non-emergency crime - one that did not just occur, and the suspects are not in the immediate area.

• You have questions about something suspicious occurring in your neighborhood, and you are not sure it is criminal activity.

The calltaker will determines how best to handle your call. In some cases, your information will be taken and you will get a call back from the telephone reporting unit, and your report may be taken over the phone.

EMERGENCY CALLS ONLY DURING AREA-WIDE EVENTS

During a big emergency that effects an entire region or area, such as flooding or an earthquake, it is vitally important that you do not overload the 9-1-1 system for non-essential calls. Calling only to report "there was an earthquake" when you personally are not facing a life-threatening or dangerous situation can tie up the 9-1-1 trunk lines. If this happens, people with true emergencies may receive a busy signal when they dial 9-1-1. 

HOW TO BE PART OF THE SOLUTION:

• If there is another area-wide emergency, such as an earthquake, do not use your telephone or cell phone for any reason unless you need to call 9-1-1 to report an emergency.

• Only call 9-1-1 if you need immediate emergency assistance from police, fire or emergency medical personnel.

• Turn on your television or radio to learn about emergency instructions and information. This is a good way to get quick answers to your questions about damage, injuries and possible hazards.

• Be prepared! Make sure you have a family disaster plan so everyone knows what to do during and after emergencies. Everyone in your family should have their own disaster supply kit (be sure to include a portable radio with extra batteries so you have a way to learn about emergency news and information).

DO NOT USE 9-1-1 FOR GENERAL INFORMATION

9-1-1 is for emergencies only, and the SPD non-emergency number is for events that may require police response.
If you have a general question about city departments or services, please contact the City of Seattle
Customer Service Bureau 206-684-CITY (2489).

DID YOU KNOW?

9-1-1 calls from pay phones are always free.

If you misdial and accidentally call 9-1-1,
DO NOT HANG UP!
Wait until your call is answered and explain that you misdialed.